becoming an ebay seller?

Dijos · Feb 27, 2006

my dad sells tools, and came across a huge box of brand new in box car parts that he wants to sell, they're really random: headlamps, master cylinders, fuel filters and some other parts. I want to know 1) what can I do to list these things? 2)should i list them seperately? 3) is it worth it?

any input will be appreicated. thanks.

Quiet Storm · Feb 27, 2006

Dijos said:
1) what can I do to list these things?

What do you mean?

Dijos said:
2)should i list them seperately?

Most definitely.

Dijos said:
3) is it worth it?

If you don't mind handling the incoming emails, making lots of trips to the post office (or a single laborious trip

), taking loads of pics and writing accurate descriptions, it's probably worth it IMHO.

Pete1977 · Feb 27, 2006

you can sell most anything on ebay. recently a large piece of sheet metal with an image of jesus christ sold for if I remember correctly ten grand

so check those tools for religious signs before you put them on!

just kidding

for the most part, if you sell something collectable on ebay, you will have someone interested in it. I know locally (MA) that in the want ad magazine, there are always people looking to buy old tools. Saws especially.

pete

(I lived in st pete for 4 years and tampa for another 3. what part of st pete are you in?)

Dijos · Feb 27, 2006

almost downtown-in 5 points, by allendale.. 38th and 4th st, more or less.

Pete1977 · Feb 28, 2006

ah
I was on 54th ave s. (pinellas bayway) in college, down near the beach and boca ciega bay.

Win Heger · Feb 28, 2006

Absolutely, do it. Or find a local flea market. I sold off a lot of items when I moved and did it both ways. At the flea market I got a lot less than Ebay may have brought but less of a hassle.

If the items you have are for older cars and are identified, Ebay would be the place. List them separetly with pictures and a good description. Start the bidding low and be sure to cover yourself for shipping. Go to USPS and get free boxes, on anything that weighs a few pounds use their "flat rate box".

Win

Danbo · Feb 28, 2006

Hey, if you've got brake parts for a Dodge or Plymouth mini van, let me know, ok?

echosix · Feb 28, 2006

I'm getting ready to start selling stuff on eBay, so I've given it a little thought.

List the items separately. They will sell better than a lot of mismatched stuff.

Take the time to take good photographs and write good descriptions. It's the diference between decent interest and good interest.

Describe your items meticulously. If they have a defect, a scratch, a water stain, list it. It's your protection against claims the item was improperly described. On the same line, learn as much about each individual item as you can. The more you can honestly make your buyer know why he wants your item, the better you are.

Open a PayPal account. It makes it easy for people to pay you. As a seller, they discount your collection a bit, but it's a pretty decent rate, considering you can now accept Visa, MC etc. Always make it easy for people to send you money. In addition, they have some shipping and tracking tools that make your life easier.

Watch out for scams. There's a million of em. In general, don't ever give your password to anyone, even your sainted mother. Neither PayPal nor eBay will EVER send you an e-Mail asking for it. Never.

Let us know how you do.